application Engineer II

Job Description: This position exists to provide direct support to the Sales Organization through pre-sales technical consulting, complex solutions design and assisting with technical sales presentations to customers on all company voice & data products & services. The Applications Engineer II is responsible for providing applications and product training to the Sales teams they support. The Applications Engineer II gathers and submits market intelligence back to Marketing, Product Management & Network Services on competitor activities and product requirements and needed product modifications. The Applications Engineer II creates new sales leads opportunities by establishing professional relationships with vendors in each of their supported markets. The Applications Engineer II is responsible improving their proficiencies and is required to increase their skill sets through participation in company continuing education programs, self-paced training, and by attending external technical seminar opportunities as available. The Applications Engineer II is responsible for the mentoring and professional development of the SE I staff on their SE team.
Position Summary Engineers independently evaluate select and apply standard engineering techniques, procedures and criteria while using judgment in making adaptations and modifications. Positions require mastery of university-level engineering principles/techniques. Employees are typically responsible for technical analysis, design packet preparation and technical review.
Leadership Standards This position does not have supervisory responsibilities.
Experience Requirements: 4-8 years of telecommunications / sales engineering experience in voice and data applications for a CLEC, ILEC, IXC, RBOC, or ISP as well as specific knowledge in the pre-sale design/analysis of voice & data services to include:  POTS, DS1-DS3 & OC-x level circuits, Internet access, private line, frame relay and integrated access solutions.  Working knowledge of network transport protocols and hardware. Working knowledge of RFPs and RFQs. Experience developing and delivering high quality customer presentations and demonstrations utilizing Visio and Power Point software is necessary. A working knowledge of customer premise equipment to include routers, CSU/DSU, switches, hubs, bridges, modems, and other common networking hardware is necessary.  Cisco CCNA or CCDA.  If not held, it is required to be obtained within first 9 months of employment with McLeodUSA. Understanding of fiber builds and network construction requirements. Project Management experience. Background in Class 4 / 5 network switches. Background in network administration. Cisco Certifications such as CCNP or CCDP. PBX Certifications such as Lucent, InterTel, Nortel, Panasonic, etc. Microsoft Certifications such as MCSE. Background in E-Commerce and web applications.

Our company is looking for highly motivated and self-driven tenacious individuals, with exceptional interpersonal skills and an ability to deliver results. Must be motivated to action and a demonstrated sense of urgency resolving customer issues. Must be able to accept accountability for areas of responsibility and address all issues with professional and personal integrity beyond reproach. Customer Centered Attitude. Must be driven by a strong customer focus philosophy, constantly striving to improve the McLeodUSA experience for our customers. 
Education Required: Bachelor's Degree or equivalent combination of education (through certifications) and work experience demonstrating the ability to perform the essential functions of the position is required.  Master's Degree is preferred.